Concern about what others will think of your mental illness

Posted by Roxie43 @roxie43, Jan 11, 2012

Happy New Year's All,
I have read many of your posts and have also shared some experiences. I think Mayo Clinic is great for allowing us the opportunity to express how we feel, make connections and support one another. I recently learned that a loved one was diagnosed with a mental illness and he has been very paranoid about everything from the diagnosis itself, the thought of taking any medications but more importantly he has been concerned about what others will think of him and how he will be treated.
I guess, I am at a stage in my life where I don't see living with a mental illness as a contributing factor of my worth. This stage in the recovery process has taken many years of therapy but more important the unconditional love and acceptance that I have been lucky to have received from immediate loved ones/family has been a contributing factor.
Another factor is that it is very important for everyone to understand that living with a mental illness does not have to mean that one has to give up on life, on hopes and dreams. It does take a lot of work and sometimes it even means developing thick skin because unfortunately there are always those that lack compassion and sensitivity.
As a professional, I want you to know that I have met more people with serious challenges working helping others, when the first thing they should be doing is getting help for themselves. Kind of reminds me of "Do as I say not as I do". It's denial and I am sure you have seen this as well. The workaholic, the micromanager, the anal retentive perfectionists who is quick to make you feel worthless because they feel this way about self. Then we may have loved ones who really do not understand our condition but they should be educating themselves so they can be less judgemental and more supportive.
Just like any illness, those living with one need to know they are still loved, respected, worthy, intelligent, creative, and can still be major contributor's to their families and communities.
If you have time, google famous people with mental illnesses and you will be surprised how many people live with illnesses and lived and/or live wonderful lives in addition to struggling.
I know how it feels to be frowned at, talked about, lied about, and made to feel totally stigmatized by a label. I am at a different place today and I am grateful for this. Today, I believe that people who judge what they are unaware of or are even indignant towards others sometimes act foolishly because they have their own issues and the difference is that I am dedicated to my well being. There is no time for denial. It does not matter what the label is.
If something ails you, please get help, educate yourself, educate your loved ones, know your rights and always keep in mind...................You Are Not Alone!
Let's try to have a blessed year, be better people and first and foremost take care of ourselves (we deserve all of the blessings coming our way).
Best,

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

@china

u teaching a class

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You know what? I could surely teach a class on ethics and human kindness.

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@china

u teaching a class

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I have no doubts and you would be an amazing teacher Hugs x0

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@china

u teaching a class

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It would really be nice but perhaps in another chapter of my life.
Big Hug,
Rox

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How are we doing with supporting our beautiful community? Please be kind to yourself and others...It makes a difference

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Mental Illness is blamed for so much in this world and perhaps why some live in total isolation and despair. People need to stop blaming mental illness for everything wrong in this world. Some people are simply evil. Please do not allow the public to define you and/or box you into a negative category.
Take care,
Rox

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Once again, mental illness is being blamed for societies violence. Yes, there are sick people who do horrible things but those folks are not the majority. Treatment is very important for any type of illness and so let's blame shrinking resources, stigma, shame, mistrust in the mental health system and/or other factors. Let's not solely blame an illness because any untreated/mistreated ailment can impact a persons entire being.
Hugs
Rox

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